From isolation to Inclusion, please remember building relationships takes time, and relieving isolation is a process that can take time. Start small, and do not put pressure on yourself. People come into your life for a reason, a season or a lifetime. In reality, the longest relationship you will ever have is with yourself, so make that a great one. The other relationships, you can pick and choose and spend as much or as little time in as you wish.
Remember, loneliness is not an age thing or a gender thing – it crosses all borders and can affect every single one of us.
Reduce your feelings of loneliness.
Here follows a list of things you can do to reduce your feelings of loneliness – now I am realistic enough to know that:
- Some will appeal, and some won’t
- Some will be easy, and some won’t
- Some will cost, and some will be free
- Some will take more effort than others
- Some may be face-to-face, and some may be online
- Some may involve a level of fitness, and some won’t
- Some may involve you attending on your own to start
- Some may involve you mastering technology (and you are reading this so you can)
There will be something here that will work for you.
Remember: You are Unique, and what works for one may not work for another.
The list and if you know of more, please share
- Join Local Community Groups or Clubs: This could be a hobby club, a sports team, a gym, a community centre, or a religious group. All are potential avenues to meet new people with shared interests. You may need to take up a new hobby, which could be something you have done or want to try.
- Offer Your Help: offer your services to those less fortunate than you. Do their shopping, wheel them out, walk their dog, cut their grass – this isn’t an age ‘thing’. This is a service ‘thing’ sometimes; the worst thing we can do is isolate ourselves from others we can help.
- Take Part in Classes or Workshops: These could be cooking classes, painting workshops, yoga classes, language courses, gardening, knitting, make up etc. You can learn a new skill and potentially make new friends.
- Online Communities: There are many online platforms where you can find people with similar interests. Online platforms like Meetup.com, Facebook Groups, or hobby-specific forums can all be excellent places to connect with others. And interestingly, sometimes laugh out loud as I do at one of my connections posts. Do a web search, and you may be surprised at what you find locally or online.
- Volunteer: Volunteering at local charities, events, or organisations can help you meet a variety of people while contributing positively to your community. It also provides a sense of purpose, reducing feelings of loneliness. Many charity shops are run by volunteers and that way, you to get to talk to people as well and potentially learn about business.
- Join Social Groups: Look for communities that share your interests; local community centres often offer group activities. These communities can provide opportunities to connect with others with similar interests. My Mother attended an active retiree club twice a month, in person, one for entertainment and one for a hobby group. The group also provided a lift service for those who could not access public transport or did not have personal transport.
- Attend Social Events: Local concerts, festivals, art shows, and other public events can be a good way to connect with people in your community. Sitting and watching can also help to feel connected, just seeing the world in all its glory may help rather than being within your own 4 walls
- Networking Events: Look for industry-specific gatherings if you want to make professional connections. These are not only great for your career and business but can lead to personal friendships as well.
- Co-working Spaces: Coworking spaces can offer a sense of community if you work from home or are an entrepreneur. They often host events and gatherings for members, making it a great place to meet like-minded people.
- Reach Out to Others: Start with friends, family, or neighbours. A phone call, video call or even a simple message can make a big difference. Socialising, even in small doses, can help alleviate feelings of loneliness. Charities such as Mind and the Samaritans provide a listening ear and can help, and there will be others as well. Search for them if you need to talk and do not have friends and family.
- Adopt a Pet: Pets provide companionship and unconditional love. Adopting a pet can significantly reduce feelings of loneliness if it is an option for you. If you cannot adopt a pet, maybe you can walk someone else’s or offer your time at a pet rescue centre.
- Physical Activity: Regular exercise, whether it’s going for a walk, doing yoga, or playing a sport, is known to boost your mood and can help manage feelings of loneliness.
- Maintain a Routine: A structured day can provide a sense of normalcy and purpose, which can be especially helpful if you feel isolated.
- Practice Mindfulness and Meditation: Techniques like mindfulness and meditation can help manage negative thoughts and feelings. They can also help you to feel more connected to yourself and the world around you.
- Seek Professional Help: If feelings of isolation are causing you distress or are persistent, talking to a mental health professional might be helpful. They can provide strategies and techniques for managing these feelings and assess if there may be underlying mental health conditions like depression or anxiety.
Remember, it is okay to ask for help and express how you are feeling. You’re not alone in this; resources are available to help you.
We are living through a time of so much opportunity and so much disconnection it is sad for me to contemplate, AND I know, having gone through this myself, there is a way out, there is a way forward, and you have to want it.
With love xx